Scheduled MonumentsWalesPen-y-Gaer
Prehistoric · Hillfort

Pen-y-Gaer

Wales
Cadw SAM GM198
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Hillfort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Pen-y-Gaer is a prehistoric hillfort located in Glamorgan, Wales, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw reference GM198. The site consists of a defended enclosure positioned to command views across the surrounding landscape, typical of Iron Age fortified settlements in South Wales. The monument's earthworks define an area enclosed by defensive ramparts and ditches, though the precise chronology and phases of occupation remain subjects of archaeological investigation. Such hillforts served strategic and communal functions during the Iron Age, functioning as centres of settlement, storage, and territorial control for local populations.

Pen-y-Gaer is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM198. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pen-y-Gaer?

Pen-y-Gaer is a prehistoric hillfort located in Glamorgan, Wales, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw reference GM198. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM198.

What period does Pen-y-Gaer date from?

Pen-y-Gaer dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a hillfort. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Pen-y-Gaer?

Pen-y-Gaer is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is GM198.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pen-y-Gaer?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Penmaen Burrows Church (7.4 km), Penmaen Burrows Burial Chamber (7.4 km), Penmaen Burrows Ringwork (7.5 km).

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